No Deal Brexit Contingency Planning

Preference and Non-Preference Certificates of Origin

By Catherine Bryson, Head of International Certification, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce

The British Chambers of Commerce and the accredited Chamber Network continue to work to avoid a messy and disorderly exit from the European Union on 29 March. However, businesses need answers they can base decisions on, no matter the outcome. This includes the trade documentation for use by exporters to prove origin.

Should the United Kingdom reach a withdrawal agreement with the EU, then the existing documents that you currently use will continue to be used throughout any period of transition.

As part of our contingency planning for a no deal Brexit, our colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce have worked closely with HMRC and the DIT on the revised format of preference and non-preference certificates of origin.

In the event of a no deal Brexit we have made preparations to enable us to provide you with continuity of service through the issuance of revised “United Kingdom” documentation. This will be ready and available in time for 29 March. If you hold blank certificates for printing at your business premises then we will contact you in advance to arrange a supply of replacement certificates.

The replacement certificates should only be used in the event that the United Kingdom leaves the European Union in a NO-DEAL SCENARIO.